Most Total Pancreatectomies for Ductal Adenocarcinoma Can Be Replaced by Whipple Over the Splenic Artery: A Before and After Study

Recently, more and more total pancreatectomy (TP) has been performed for pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma (PDCA) which abuts or involves both gastroduodenal and splenic arteries. Warshaw's procedure (spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with excision of splenic vessels) has been safely performed for years. Likewise, both pancreatic tail and spleen can be preserved after excision of splenic vessels for leftward extension of pancreatic parenchyma transaction line during Whipple (WOTSA). In that case, TP can be replaced by WOTSA. This uncontrolled before and after study assesses the safety and efficacy of a new technique "Whipple over the splenic artery (WOTSA)" as a treatment for PDAC which traditionally requires total pancreatectomy (TP).

Methods: The study group comprised 40 consecutive patients who underwent WOTSA for PDAC. Their clinicopathological characteristics and survival were compared with those of a historical control group comprising 30 consecutive patients who underwent TP between.